THINGS TO KNOW

Today, the international cultural arts and media outlet, PopMatters.com, exclusively premiered bluegrass powerhouse Balsam Range‘s new song, “Franklin County.” A staple of the Mountain Home Music Company roster, Balsam Range’s upcoming album, Moxie & Mettle, officially releases worldwide this Friday, September 17, 2021 (pre-order through 9/16, or STREAM/BUY on/after 9/17).

Of the song, PopMatters’ Jonathan Frahm stated, “Waxed in booze and superstition, [“Franklin County” is] a slow-burning swamp-stomper basked in mystery. Speaking to classic bluegrass, the tune sinks its roots into a moonshining lead, painting a picturesque—if not unsettling—perception of the vintage Midwest.” CLICK HERE to view the article and to stream the song on PopMatters.com.

Balsam Range’s new album takes it name from a line in the #1 single and album featured track, “Grit & Grace.” An emotional meditation on meeting hard times with perseverance and spiritual courage—“one part moxie [and] another part mettle,” as it’s put in the song’s soaring chorus—it’s a continuation of the tradition of reflecting genuine trials and the qualities it takes to overcome them, a heartfelt response to life’s struggles that gains its strength from the sense of community and values shared by both the band and their fans.

The band is also no stranger to chart success. Their second album in collaboration with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra in 2018, Mountain Overture, debuted on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart at #5 in addition to the Classical Crossover Chart at #6. 2016 album, Mountain Voodoo, debuted at #4 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart (remaining there for 45 weeks), and previous bluegrass-specific album Aeonic (Jan. 2019) debuted #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart (their most recent overall LP, The Gospel Collection, released Dec. 2019).